Skinny Skinny

Album: Superbloom (2020)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • 5 Seconds of Summer drummer Ashton Irwin became the first band member to drop a solo project when he released his debut solo record, Superbloom. He explained: "The album explores my inner philosophies and feelings about the walk of life I have found myself on."

    This folk-pop tune, which Irwin dropped on September 24, 2020, is its lead single.
  • Irwin has long been an advocate for mental health. Here, he reflects on his and many other young peoples' struggles with body image, particularly body dysmorphia. "I needed to write a song that captured the pain of body dysmorphia," he explained. "I have been through stages in my life where I've been sickened by that state of mind. The over-arching narrative is support system, healing, recovery, strength and focus on true self. I felt like I had a lot to write about."
  • The song arose from a conversation Irwin had with his 16-year-old brother about body image. "He's already caught up in his own mental image of what his body should look like," said the 5SOS drummer. "I thought that was such a crippling trap for a young man to try and walk through."
  • Irwin wrote the song with Matthew Pauling. The Los Angeles-based producer and engineer previously helmed two tracks on 5S0S's Calm album: "Red Desert" and "Lonely Heart."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Jason Newsted (ex-Metallica)

Jason Newsted (ex-Metallica)Songwriter Interviews

The former Metallica bassist talks about his first time writing a song with James Hetfield, and how a hand-me-down iPad has changed his songwriting.

History Of Rock

History Of RockSong Writing

An interview with Dr. John Covach, music professor at the University of Rochester whose free online courses have become wildly popular.

Gilby Clarke

Gilby ClarkeSongwriter Interviews

The Guns N' Roses rhythm guitarist in the early '90s, Gilby talks about the band's implosion and the side projects it spawned.

Verdine White of Earth, Wind & Fire

Verdine White of Earth, Wind & FireSongwriter Interviews

The longtime bassist of Earth, Wind & Fire discusses how his band came to do a holiday album, and offers insight into some of the greatest dance/soul tunes of all-time.

Julian Lennon

Julian LennonSongwriter Interviews

Julian tells the stories behind his hits "Valotte" and "Too Late for Goodbyes," and fills us in on his many non-musical pursuits. Also: what MTV meant to his career.

Tom Keifer of Cinderella

Tom Keifer of CinderellaSongwriter Interviews

Tom talks about the evolution of Cinderella's songs through their first three albums, and how he writes as a solo artist.